Massachusetts sports betting could look completely different if a new costs proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indication, managed sports betting in other states could also change significantly.

SD 1657 existed by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" aims to increase the current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan requires a total restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting guidelines. The second thing to understand is that the language of this costs resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This costs was introduced not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and present NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting policy.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts costs, it's likely to affect other states that offer controlled sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legislative session, but it was declined. This increase would have been available in the state's budget expense.

Only three markets have tax rates of 51%, the greatest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts presently ranks sixth highest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The step forbids in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be enabled, restricting sportsbooks to using only moneyline, spread, and totals.

While Massachusetts and other markets have restrictions on college betting, this would affect even expert sporting events.

The costs also looks for to add bonus offers and same-game parlays to the classification of "unreasonable and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also intends to produce obligatory daily and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost assessment' which includes inspecting savings account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would become the first market to require a cost assessment on bettors.

Marketing restrictions

Keenan also wants to eliminate advertising throughout televised sporting occasions. The procedure would forbid sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into creating a ban on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV deals make this hard to impose.

Will the measure pass?

The measure is severe in its changes to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely cause pushback from local sportsbooks and market supporters.

Because of this, the procedure will likely be combated in the Senate and your home of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

He would have to convince the other senators who did not support his effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is impossible to tell how it will be received.